Eastern Ghats Have 5 Of The Most Gorgeous Beaches In India That You Must Visit

When it comes to living the beach life, most countrymen look to the sandy shores of Goa (sometimes Kerala) to satisfy their wanderlust. Little is said about the eastern side of India's 7500 km coastline, which is home to the Ghats—which are home to some of the most spectacular terrain this country has to offer.

With a huge stretch of golden sand and picture-perfect views of the blue water blending with the horizon, it's a wonder that Gopalpur remains one of the least-discovered tourist spots in the country. It is perhaps one of the best beaches in the country to witness a sunrise from—the sight of fishermen going out at the first light is something to witness. But that's not all, this hidden gem in Odisha is a favourite for scuba diving and water sports like windsurfing, paddle boating and rowing.

Top things to see and do: Take time out to shop for Tassar silk saris in Behrampur; go birdwatching at Chilka Lake; take a dip in the hot sulphur springs of Taptapani; and pray at the Taratarini temple.

Flight cost: The closest airport is in Bhubaneshwar (180 km). A roundtrip to and from New Delhi costs approximately Rs 10,000

Best time to visit: The best season to visit Gopalpur is from October to March

A secluded seaside village in Baleshwar district, Chandipur is home to a unique phenomenon where the water recedes up to a few kilometres during the low tide and rhythmically disappears, making it a grand spectacle everyday. The beach is otherwise surrounded by dense groves and is as pristine as it can get, making it the perfect place for a relaxing vacation on the beach. If you're a nature-lover, Chandipur is also an ecological zone and a habitat for the horseshoe crabs.

Top things to see and do: Visit the Remuna and Panchalingeswar shrines; head for a trip to the Nilgiri hills

Flight cost: The closest airport again is Bhubaneswar; flights cost approximately Rs 12,000 to and from Mumbai.

Located on the seaward end of Vishakhapatnam, this is one of the most popular beaches in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Its name is based on the Ramakrishna Mission. Given its location in the city and a Kali Temple across from it, the beach is often crowded in the evenings. It's a good place to hang out and enjoy the local culture. The beach is strewn with food vendors that offer local delicacies.

Top things to see and do: Submarine Museum, the Kali Temple, VUDA Park, Matsyadarshini and War Memorial are all lined up near the beach

Flight cost: A flight to and from New Delhi to Vishakhapatnam costs approximately Rs 14,000

Situated about 20 km from Vizag, this one is another gem. Smaller and more secluded than the Ramakrishna beach, it is ideal for spending a relaxed day with your loved ones. This beach was once strewn with weed and wild flora, but was cleaned up by the authorities once they realised its tourism potential. With a backdrop of mountains, and palm and mango groves, the golden sands of the Rushikonda beach seem inviting as they stretch into the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal. This is also an ideal place for parasailing and surfing enthusiasts.

Top things to see and do: Explore wildlife at the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary and Vishakhapatnam Zoo; tap into your religious side at the Kailasagiri temple; or visit the INS Submarine Museum

Flight cost: A flight to and from New Delhi to Vishakhapatnam costs approximately Rs 14,000

Located at a distance of 13 km from Chennai, in the town of Basant Nagar, Elliot's Beach is a popular destination for those seeking a relief from the madness of the city. This is the spot where the Adyar River drains into the sea. Popularly known as "Bessie" by locals, this place is known for its peace and quiet. In recent times it has become a popular hangout spot for college-goers.

Top things to see and do: Visit the Ashtalakshmi temple and Velanganni Church near the beach

Flight cost: A roundtrip from Delhi to Chennai costs approximately Rs 14,000

Best time to visit: From October to March. December has the best weather

Have you been to any of these beaches? What other beaches should have been on the list? Share your experiences with the community.